Got Anger?

Anger is a basic feeling, along with sad, glad, disgusted, and scared. In our culture, anger has traditionally been the only socially acceptable feeling for men. It’s time to move on from this belief.

Anger, acceptable for men

When anger arises, stress hormones such as cortisol are released. Chronic anger is unhealthy and can contribute to a variety of problems like high blood pressure. To maintain good health, it’s important to deal with anger. Our brains are structured so that we humans must deal with our feelings before we can think clearly and make good decisions.

Anger comes from unmet expectations.

When you recognize anger, step back and examine your thoughts. What expectation was not met? Once you have identified it, ask yourself what you can do about it. If you can do something about it – muster up the courage and do it. If there’s nothing you can do about it, accept it.

Having moved from the emotion of anger to clear thought and action, your anger will dissipate and you’ll feel more relaxed and calm.

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Author: Martha Childers

Martha Childers, EdS, LPC is a psychotherapist specializing in helping individuals aged 50+, couples and women. Martha is a licensed professional counselor in Missouri and Kansas. She received her masters and education specialist degrees in counseling psychology from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. She practiced Zen through a variety of Japanese traditional arts for 3-1/2 years. Since that time, mindfulness has been an integral part of her life. Her interest in human nature, beliefs, and life styles led her to become a counselor.